US11318886B2 - Interactive safety system for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles. For example, the interactive vehicle safety system may have capabilities for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle (such as a truck, van, train, etc.). The interactive vehicle safety system disclosed may comprise one or more image capturing devices (such as camera, sensor, laser), distance and object sensors (such as ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor), a real-time image processing of an object, and one or more display systems (such as LCD or LED displays). The interactive vehicle safety system may give a seamless 360-degree front panoramic view to a driver.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/930,974, filed Jul. 16, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62/932,188, filed Nov. 7, 2019, entitled Interactive Safety System for Vehicles, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates vehicles, and more particularly, an interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a number of vehicle collisions and accidents related to reduced peripheral vision. A system is needed to improve safety for vehicles by improving peripheral vision and situational awareness to reduce vehicle collisions and accidents. A system is also needed with predictive capabilities for vehicles, people, and other objects that will help the driver to make initial decisions and have the machine or system take over the decision-making and actions when the driver is making a mistake (i.e. an imminent accident or collision). This is especially needed with bigger vehicles, for example trucks, trains, etc.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally provides an interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles, there are a number of vehicle collisions and accidents related to reduced peripheral vision.

According to one embodiment, an interactive safety system for vehicles may comprise: one or more image capturing devices located on the vehicle configured to transmit one or more images from the vehicle to a processor; one or more object detecting sensors located on the vehicle that detect location, speed, and direction data of one or more objects external to the vehicle; and a display system connected to the processor. The one or more object detecting sensors may be configured to transmit the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects to the processor. The display system may comprise a pillar display located on an A-pillar of the vehicle configured to portray an image blocked by an obstruction of the A-pillar from the one or more image capturing devices. The processor and a memory unit storing computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to: receive images from the one or more image capturing devices; receive the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more object detecting sensors; process in real-time the images and the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects external to the vehicle; track in real-time the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the images and the location, speed, and direction data; predict a future location and a route of the one or more objects external to the vehicle using a predictive algorithm and a trajectory analysis of the one or more objects external to the vehicle; determine in real-time a danger object from the one or more objects external to the vehicle, wherein the danger object is a potential collision based on the predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis; and display the image blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar on the pillar display.

Additionally, the processor and the memory unit storing computer-executable instructions may cause the processor to further provide a visual warning to the danger object, wherein the visual warning is provided external to the vehicle. The processor and the memory unit storing computer-executable instructions may cause the processor to further provide an audible warning to the danger object, wherein the audible warning is provided external to the vehicle, wherein the audible warning is a 3D sound directed to the danger object. Additionally, the one or more object detecting sensors may be ultrasonic sensors, LIDAR radar sensors, or photoelectric sensors. The processor and the memory unit storing computer-executable instructions may cause the processor to further light a path of the vehicle with high-intensity lights based on the predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis, wherein the path is externally outside the vehicle on a pavement of a street. Additionally, the display system may further include a heads-up display on a windshield of the vehicle to display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data and the danger object with the future location and the route on a heads-up display. The display system may further include a dashboard display on a dashboard of the vehicle to display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data and the danger object with the future location and the route on a heads-up display.

According to another embodiment, an interactive safety system for vehicles may comprise: one or more image capturing devices located on the vehicle configured to transmit one or more images from the vehicle to a processor; one or more object detecting sensors located on the vehicle that detect location, speed, and direction data of one or more objects external to the vehicle; and a display system connected to the processor. The display system may include a pillar display located on an A-pillar of the vehicle configured to portray an image blocked by an obstruction of the A-pillar from the one or more image capturing devices; and a rear-view display located in the vehicle configured to portray an image that would be seen in a rear-view mirror from the one or more image capturing devices. Further, the one or more object detecting sensors may be configured to transmit the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects to the processor. The processor and a memory unit storing computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to: receive images from the one or more image capturing devices; receive the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more object detecting sensors; process in real-time the images and the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects external to the vehicle; track in real-time the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the images and the location, speed, and direction data; predict a future location and a route of the one or more objects external to the vehicle using a predictive algorithm and a trajectory analysis of the one or more objects external to the vehicle; determine in real-time a danger object from the one or more objects external to the vehicle, wherein the danger object is a potential collision based on the predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis; display the image blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar on the pillar display; and display the image that would be seen in the rear-view mirror on the rear-view display.

In yet a further embodiment, an interactive safety system for vehicles may comprise: one or more image capturing devices located on the vehicle configured to transmit one or more images from the vehicle to a processor; one or more object detecting sensors located on the vehicle that detect location, speed, and direction data of one or more objects external to the vehicle; one or more telematics devices configured to transmit vehicle telematics data from the vehicle to the processor; and a display system connected to the processor. The display system may include: a pillar display located on an A-pillar of the vehicle configured to portray an image blocked by an obstruction of the A-pillar from the one or more image capturing devices; a rear-view display located in the vehicle configured to portray an image that would be seen in a rear-view mirror from the one or more image capturing devices; and heads-up display on a windshield of the vehicle to display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data. Additionally, the one or more object detecting sensors configured to transmit the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects to the processor. The processor and a memory unit storing computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to: receive images from the one or more image capturing devices; receive the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more object detecting sensors; receive the telematics data from the telematics device; process in real-time the images, the telematics data, and the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects external to the vehicle; track in real-time the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the images and the location, speed, and direction data; predict a future location and a route of the one or more objects external to the vehicle using a predictive algorithm and a trajectory analysis of the one or more objects external to the vehicle; determine in real-time a danger object from the one or more objects external to the vehicle, wherein the danger object is a potential collision based on the predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis; highlight the danger object on the display system; display the image blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar on the pillar display; display the image that would be seen in the rear-view mirror on the rear-view display; and display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data and the danger object with the future location and the route on the heads-up display. Further, the danger object may be highlighted yellow if the danger object is potentially in a path of an accident or a collision and the danger object may be highlighted red if the danger object is imminently in a path of an accident or a collision with the vehicle. The highlighting of the danger object may include one or more of the following: blinking colors on the danger object, circles around the danger object, or blinking circles around the danger object.

In an additional embodiment, an interactive safety system for vehicles may comprise: one or more image capturing devices located on the vehicle configured to transmit one or more images from the vehicle to a processor; one or more object detecting sensors located on the vehicle that detect location, speed, and direction data of one or more objects external to the vehicle; and a display system connected to the processor. The display system may include a pillar display located on an A-pillar of the vehicle configured to portray an image blocked by an obstruction of the A-pillar from the one or more image capturing devices. The one or more object detecting sensors may be configured to transmit the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects to the processor. The processor and a memory unit storing computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to: receive images from the one or more image capturing devices; receive the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more object detecting sensors; process in real-time the images and the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more objects external to the vehicle; track in real-time the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the images and the location, speed, and direction data; predict a future location and a route of the one or more objects external to the vehicle using a predictive algorithm and a trajectory analysis of the one or more objects external to the vehicle; determine in real-time a danger object from the one or more objects external to the vehicle, wherein the danger object is a potential collision based on the predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis; display the image blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar on the pillar display; and provide an audible warning to an operator coming from a location of the danger object, wherein the audible warning is an audio spotlight from an aimed audio device connected to the processor that casts a sound to a surface redirecting the sound to come from the location of the danger object to the vehicle.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art version of a vehicle with a side rearview mirror and an A-pillar;

FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle with an interactive vehicle safety system with side rearview mirror elimination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle with an interactive vehicle safety system having pillar obstruction elimination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle with an interactive vehicle safety system having both the side rearview mirror elimination and pillar obstruction elimination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate top views of various vehicles with an interactive vehicle safety system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an illustrative system depiction of an interactive vehicle safety system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS.7A1 and7A2 illustrate an interactive vehicle safety system with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing a second vehicle turning left in front of a main vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS.7B1 and7B2 illustrate an interactive vehicle safety system with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing a main vehicle turning left in front of a second vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C illustrates an interactive vehicle safety system with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing a pedestrian walking in a crosswalk in front of a main vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS.7D1 and7D2 illustrate an interactive vehicle safety system with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing a main vehicle turning left in front of a pedestrian in a crosswalk in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates the interactive vehicle safety system from FIGS.7A1 and7A2 with a heads-up-display (HUD) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates the interactive vehicle safety system from FIGS.7B1 and7B2 with a heads-up-display (HUD) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C illustrates the interactive vehicle safety system fromFIG. 7C with a heads-up-display (HUD) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D illustrates the interactive vehicle safety system from FIGS.7D1 and7D2 with a heads-up-display (HUD) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an interactive vehicle safety system with a display in the dashboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an interactive vehicle safety system using hologram technology in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an interactive vehicle safety system using audio spotlight technology in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an interactive vehicle safety system using an external highlighting technology in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of various examples of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures, systems, and steps in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, structures, example devices, systems, and steps may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

The present invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly, an interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles. For example, the interactive vehicle safety system may have capabilities for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle (such as a truck, van, train, etc.). The interactive vehicle safety system disclosed may comprise one or more image capturing devices (such as camera, sensor, laser), distance and object sensors (such as ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor), a real-time image processing of an object, and one or more display systems (such as LCD or LED displays). The interactive vehicle safety system may give a seamless 360-degree front panoramic view to a driver.

The invention relates to an interactive vehicle safety system that includes real-time image processing for a vehicle with clear metal technology. Clear metal technology refers to the capability for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle. The clear metal technology may use one or multiple cameras located on the other side of a structural pillar or obstruction blocking the vision of the operator to portray an image blocked by the structural pillar/obstruction on the structural pillar/obstruction of the vehicle to make the structural pillar/obstruction functionally disappear. The interactive vehicle safety system and clear metal technology may be used with vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, trains, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, forklifts, etc.

The interactive vehicle safety system may include one or more features such as: changing the image on the screen as the vehicle driver's head moves (using one camera or multiple cameras in “stereo” tracking the driver's head position); detect and track in real-time object movement outside the vehicle and highlight stationary or moving objects around the vehicle that may be “danger” by using trajectory analysis and dead reckoning of the vehicle (speed, direction, turn radius, etc.) and/or using trajectory analysis and dead reckoning of the moving objects (speed, direction, etc.); and a dead reckoning heads-up display to include object detecting sensors (for example, ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor) to the front bumper, rear bumper, or other locations around the vehicle that provides a dead reckoning time fully across the windshield. The interactive vehicle safety system may utilize sensors on the vehicle to sense objects approaching to turn-on the clear metal technology and turn off the clear metal technology if nothing is sensed by the sensors.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art version of the inside of avehicle10. As illustrated in the prior art, thevehicle10 includes a large rear-view mirror12 and a structural A-pillar14 on thevehicle10.FIG. 1 demonstrates the need for a system to improve the peripheral vision of the driver from the blocked view of the rear-view mirror12 and/or one or more of thestructural pillars14 of thevehicle10.

FIG. 2 illustrates avehicle10 with an interactivevehicle safety system100 with a side rearviewmirror elimination system200. The sidemirror elimination system200 of the interactivevehicle safety system100 ofFIG. 2 may include one or more image capturing devices210 (such as a camera, sensor, or laser) to take the place of therearview mirror12, real-time image processing, and one or more display systems220 (such as an LCD or LED display) to portray animage222 that would be seen on the rear-view mirror12. In one embodiment thedisplay system220 may be a retina scanner display. In another example, thedisplay220 may be flat, flexible, bendable, or curved without departing from this invention. As illustrated inFIG. 2, thedisplay system220 may be located on the A-pillar14. The one ormore displays220 may be located in other locations without departing from this invention, such as located on another structural pillar, thedashboard16, or as part of a heads-up-display or other locations.

FIG. 3 illustrates avehicle10 with an interactivevehicle safety system100 having a pillarobstruction elimination system250 and capabilities for portraying objects that are being blocked by an A-pillar14 (or other structural pillars) of thevehicle10. The pillarobstruction elimination system250 of the interactivevehicle safety system100 ofFIG. 3 may include one or more image capturing devices (such as a camera, sensor, or laser) to portray animage262 blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar14 on thevehicle10 to make the structural pillar/obstruction14 functionally disappear. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include real-time image processing and one or more display systems260 (such as an LCD or LED display) to portray theimage262 that blocked by the A-pillar14. In one embodiment, thedisplay system260 may be a retina scanner display. In another example, thedisplay260 may be flat, flexible, bendable, or curved without departing from this invention. As illustrated inFIG. 3, thedisplay system260 may be located on the A-pillar14. Thedisplay260 may be located in other locations without departing from this invention, such as located on another structural pillar, thedashboard16, or as part of a heads-up-display or other locations.

FIG. 4 illustrates avehicle10 with an interactivevehicle safety system100 having both a side rearviewmirror elimination system200 and a pillarobstruction elimination system260 for portraying objects that are being blocked by an A-pillar14 or other structural pillar of thevehicle10. The interactivevehicle safety system100 ofFIG. 4 may include one or more image capturing devices210 (such as a camera, sensor, or laser) to take the place of the rearview mirror. Additionally, the interactivevehicle safety system100 ofFIG. 4 may include one or more image capturing devices (such as a camera, sensor, or laser) to portray animage262 blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar14 on thevehicle10 to make the structural pillar/obstruction14 functionally disappear. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include real-time image processing and a display system with one ormore displays220,260 (such as an LCD or LED display) to portray theimage222 that would be seen on the rear-view mirror12 and to portray theimage262 that blocked by the A-pillar14 or other structural pillar. In one embodiment thedisplays220,260 may be a retina scanner display. In another example, thedisplays220,260 may be flat, flexible, bendable, or curved without departing from this invention. As illustrated inFIG. 4, thedisplay system220,260 may be located on the A-pillar14. Thedisplay220,260 may be located in other locations without departing from this invention, such as located on another structural pillar, thedashboard16, or as part of a heads-up-display or other locations.

In general, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may help an operator detect a collision and provide further information to eliminate or reduce the risks in many different areas, such as: providing vision to the operator, predicting when or how long of a reaction time before an accident occurs, providing audible warnings to the public and operator, providing visual warnings to the public and operator, determining and providing a suggested escape route or action, and determining and providing any automatic vehicle operations in response to the imminent collision (i.e. automatic braking and/or steering).

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate top views of various vehicles with an interactivevehicle safety system100 and various input systems.FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of anautomobile10A with the interactivevehicle safety system100.FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of a pick-uptruck10B with the interactivevehicle safety system100.FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of adelivery truck10C with the interactivevehicle safety system100.FIG. 5D illustrates a top view of a semi-truck10D with the interactivevehicle safety system100. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may be utilized with any vehicle without departing from this invention. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide an operator with vision and situational awareness to what is happening external to thevehicle10 by providing peripheral visual awareness. As illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5D, the interactivevehicle safety system100 andvehicles10A,10B,10C,10D may include one or more of the following:cameras124,object detecting sensors120,ultrasonic sensors122, and vehicletelematic sensors130, etc. Other inputs may be included with the interactivevehicle safety system100 andvehicles10A,10B,10C,10D as described and illustrated inFIG. 6. The one ormore cameras124,object detecting sensors120, etc. and other input data devices as listed and described withFIG. 6 may be located at various locations throughout thevehicle10, such as on the front bumper, rear bumper or rear area, side of thevehicle10, on top of thevehicle10, under the vehicle, within the inside of thevehicle10, or any other locations that can provide meaningful inputs to the interactivevehicle safety system100.

FIG. 6 illustrates an illustrative system depiction of the interactivevehicle safety system100. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include aprocessor105 that includes a processing unit and a system memory to store and execute software instructions. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may providevarious data inputs110 and providevarious outputs120 to predict a potential incident, determine danger, and inform thevehicle10 and operator to slow down, turn, or stop. As illustrated inFIG. 6, thevarious inputs110 to theprocessor105 and the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include one or more of the following:depth camera112,lasers114,accelerometer device116, aimedaudio device118,object detecting sensors120,ultrasonic sensor122,cameras124,LIDAR radar sensor126,photoelectric sensor128,telematics device130, infrared sensor132, internet of things (IoT)132, orGPS device134. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include various image capturing devices, such ascameras124 to capture what is happening in the real world external to thevehicle10 and bringing in and highlighting what may happen in the near future. Additionally, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may includeLIDAR radar126 and other object detecting sensors120 (such asultrasonic sensor122,photoelectric sensor128, and infrared sensor132). Other sensors andinputs110 may be utilized for the interactivevehicle safety system100, such asGPS136, vehicle telematic sensors140, Internet of Things (IoT)132 information. Vehicle telematics sensors140 may monitor thevehicle10 by usingGPS136 and onboard diagnostics to record movements on a computerized map, such as with a GPS receiver, and engine interface, an input/output interface (expander port) in thevehicle10, a SIM card, or anaccelerometer116. The interactivevehicle safety system100 will gather data from these inputs and the real world to help the operator see obstacles and provide the operator information to be able to react to obstacles.

Theprocessor105 may include a processing unit and a system memory to store and execute software instructions. Thevarious inputs110 andoutputs150 may be connected to theprocessor105. Additionally, theprocessor105 may be in communication with and connected to other various computer systems. Theprocessor105 of the interactivevehicle safety system100 may havevarious outputs150 after processing thevarious inputs110. Theoutputs150 of the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include one or more of the following:audio spotlight152,hologram display154, heads-updisplay156,LED display158,display system160,LCD display162,dashboard display164,haptic warning166,audible warnings168,image analysis170,augmented reality display172, externalvisual warnings174, oraccident prediction176.

Theprocessor105 of the interactivevehicle safety system100 may control and process various actions for the interactivevehicle safety system100 as will be described further below. Theprocessor105 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The one or more implementations described throughout this disclosure may utilize logical blocks, modules, and circuits that may be implemented or performed with theprocessor105.

Theprocessor105 may be used to implement various aspects and features described herein. As such, theprocessor105 may be configured to execute multiple calculations, in parallel or serial and may execute coordinate transformations, curve smoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, and summation processes, and the like. Theprocessor105 may include a processing unit and system memory to store and execute software instructions. Theprocessor105 may be in communication with and/or connected to the interactivevehicle safety system100 that may provide a central analysis and display.

FIGS.7A1-7D2 illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis and a heads-up display270A along thefull windshield18.FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis and a heads-updisplay270B along a portion of thewindshield18, and the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18. In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include trajectory and dead reckoning analysis. For example, dead reckoning is the process of calculating a vehicle's current position and/or future position by using a previously determined position, or current position, and by using estimation of speed and course over elapsed time. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may calculate a vehicle's future position by using a current position and by using estimation of speed, course, and other inputs over elapsed time. For collision avoidance, the reaction time may be approximately 2 seconds with a possible stopping distance of 3-5 seconds. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include real-time image processing for a vehicle to detect and track in real-time object movement outside the vehicle. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may also highlight stationary or moving objects around the vehicle that are predicted to be a danger utilizing trajectory analysis and dead reckoning of the vehicle and the stationary or moving object. The trajectory analysis and dead reckoning analysis may utilize speed, direction, acceleration, turn radius, etc. from the vehicle and speed, direction, acceleration, etc. from the moving object. The prediction of the route and path of the vehicle and the location of the moving object may be calculated by the interactivevehicle safety system100 by various methods, such as algorithms using speed, direction, turn radius, acceleration, GPS, vehicle telematic data and sensors, cameras, external sensors, mapping information, etc. Additionally, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a predictive algorithm utilizing data and information to watch what pedestrians are doing, looking at the phone or wearing headphones or tracking the pedestrian's acceleration to determine if they are walking, about to run, or about to stop. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may also utilize machine learning with the image processing to provide better predictive algorithms for the trajectory analysis.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a dead-reckoning heads-updisplay270 to include ultrasound sensors or other sensors to the front bumper, rear bumper, or other locations around the vehicle. As illustrated in FIGS.7A1-7D2, the interactivevehicle safety system100 provides a dead reckoning display270A with information and warnings fully across the windshield and a real time picture across the windshield that can be displayed in various different colors (i.e. gray for dead reckoning and another color for real time). As illustrated in FIGS.7A1-7D2, the heads-up display270A may include both the vehicle/obstacles ortext274, such as “WARNING” as shown in the heads-up display270A.

First, the interactivevehicle safety system100 removes the A-pillar and other structural pillars to provide a clear, complete, open view to the operator of thevehicle10. As an external, moving object's (such as a pedestrian22) direction and speed is detected, the interactivevehicle safety system100 displays the object and the object speed and direction both on theclear metal screen260 but also across thewindshield18 by way of the heads-up-display270A on thewindshield18 or dash16. By including ultrasonic sensors on the front bumper, the rear bumper, or other locations around the vehicle, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may then utilize real-time trajectory and object movement analysis and bring the dead reckoning into the real time space on the heads-up-display. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a dead reckoning strip of LED pictures across the front of thedashboard16 of thevehicle10 and reflecting onto thewindshield18.

FIGS.7A1 and7A2 illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing asecond vehicle20 turning left in front of amain vehicle10. Specifically, FIG.7A1 shows thesecond vehicle20 preparing to turn left in front of themain vehicle10. FIG.7A2 shows the heads-up-display270B with thesecond vehicle20A turning in front of themain vehicle10 and “WARNING”274 by utilizing the trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis of the interactivevehicle safety system100.

FIGS.7B1 and7B2 illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing amain vehicle10 turning left in front of asecond vehicle20. Specifically, FIG.7B1 shows themain vehicle10 preparing to turn left in front of thesecond vehicle20. FIG.7B2 shows the heads-up-display270B with themain vehicle10A turning in front of thesecond vehicle20 and “WARNING”274 by utilizing the trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis of the interactivevehicle safety system100.

FIG. 7C illustrates the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing apedestrian22 walking in a crosswalk in front of amain vehicle10. As illustrated inFIG. 7C, thepedestrian22 is behind and blocked by the A-pillar14. The operator is able to view thepedestrian22 in the crosswalk because of thedisplay260 from the pillarobstruction elimination system250. The heads-up-display270B may display “WARNING”274 by utilizing the trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis of the interactivevehicle safety system100.

FIGS.7D1 and7D2 illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis showing amain vehicle10 turning left in front of apedestrian20 in a crosswalk. Specifically, FIG.7D1 shows themain vehicle10 preparing to turn left in the direction of thepedestrian22 in the crosswalk. FIG.7D2 shows the heads-up-display270B with themain vehicle10A turning towards thepedestrian22 in the crosswalk along with “WARNING”274 by utilizing the trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis of the interactivevehicle safety system100.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the interactivevehicle safety system100 with trajectory and dead-reckoning analysis and a heads-updisplay270B along a portion of thewindshield18, and the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18. As illustrated inFIGS. 8A-8D, the heads-updisplay270B (along with the heads-up display270A) may include both the vehicle/obstacles272 ortext274, such as “WARNING” as shown in the heads-updisplay270B. Specifically,FIG. 8A illustrates the interactivevehicle safety system100 with the heads-up-display (HUD)270B in the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18 showing asecond vehicle20 turning left in front of amain vehicle10.FIG. 8B illustrates the interactivevehicle safety system100 with a heads-up-display (HUD)270B in the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18 showing amain vehicle10 turning left in front of asecond vehicle20.FIG. 8C illustrates the interactivevehicle safety system100 with a heads-up-display (HUD)270B in the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18 showing apedestrian22 walking in a crosswalk in front of amain vehicle10.FIG. 8D illustrates the interactivevehicle safety system100 with a heads-up-display (HUD)270B in the lower left-hand portion of thewindshield18 showing amain vehicle10 turning left in front of apedestrian22 in a crosswalk.

The highlighting of the moving object in danger may be highlighted in various stages. For example, the moving object may be highlighted yellow if the object is potentially in the path of accident or collision with the vehicle. In addition, the moving object may be highlighted red if the object is moving and imminently in the path of accident or collision with the vehicle. Highlighting may be in the form of different colors, blinking colors, circles around the object, blinking circles, etc., without departing from this invention.

The interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize the heads-updisplay270 as described and illustrated previously or the interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize adashboard display280.FIG. 9 illustrates anexemplary dashboard display280 located on thedashboard16 of thevehicle10. Thedashboard display280 may include both the vehicle/obstacles282 or text284, such as “WARNING” as shown in thedashboard display280. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize any one of or any combination of the heads-up display270A, the heads-updisplay270B, or thedashboard display280 without departing from this invention to display what is happening outside the vehicle or what might happen outside the vehicle.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide a full vision of what is happening outside of thevehicle10. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 will provide and improve an operator's peripheral visual awareness to provide situational awareness to the operator. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize one or more of the following systems and information to provide and improve the operator's peripheral visual awareness. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide an augmented reality system. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may also provide depth cameras or other system that provide depth imagery allowing the ability to change the perspective of the operator's view. For example, the augmented reality system and/or the depth cameras may provide a display with the driver's perspective “in front” of the vehicle or with the driver's perspective “on top” of the vehicle. Depth cameras may also not return colors and may return a grey-scale image to help determine depth and therefore the distance of a pedestrian, object, or other danger object in the path of the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the operator may also utilize glasses, contacts, or a circular plastic cover that drops over the face and eyes to provide an augmented reality vision of the full vision of what is happening outside of the vehicle. The cover may drop over the face and eyes of the operator when required or when initiated by the interactivevehicle safety system100. The augmented reality system may initiate the movement of the cover based on a projected trajectory of a collision and/or accident. The augmented reality system may initiate the movement of the cover upon movement of the vehicle.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize various sensors to provide the operator and system with additional information and situational awareness. The various sensors may include one or more of the following sensors: density, vibration, audio, humidity, air pressure, color, synthetic sensors, etc. The various sensors may be located on the front bumper, rear bumper, or other locations around the vehicle. The one or more sensors may include trajectory sensors to help determine and provide data and analysis of the trajectory and dead reckoning of the vehicle and any moving objects external to the vehicle. The one or more sensors may also include synthetic sensors wherein one sensor senses an action and the other sensors as part of the synthetic sensor confirms that action.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize stereoscopy with the plurality of cameras. The plurality of cameras may be located throughout the exterior of the vehicle, such as in front, sides, back, top, or bottom of the vehicle. The stereoscopy may utilize two or more cameras to accurately determine depth, location, and trajectory of moving objects or pedestrians external to the vehicle.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may determine and track the location of the operator's head to change the view for the operator's view based on the operator's head location when moving, rotating, or at different heights. Tracking the operator's head location will help maintain aspect ratio location of the operator's vision of the display and external from the interactivevehicle safety system100.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may integrate data from various other information sources. The plurality of information sources may be one or more information sources on the Internet of Things (IoT), such as from camera information from intersections, buildings, autonomous vehicles, or other camera sources, sensors, or measuring devices throughout the area.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include image analysis with cameras that can detection what a pedestrian is doing. For example, image analysis may detect earbuds and/or headphones or a pedestrian talking on a cell phone. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize this image analysis information to potentially take a different action.

In another embodiment of this invention illustrated inFIG. 10, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize hologram technology with motion parallax. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the hologram system may provide ahologram30 on thepillar14 of thepedestrian22 located behind thepillar14. For example, as the operator moves eye direction, the foreground may shift faster than the background and create a stereoscopic view. The hologram technology may utilize a laser, one or more beam splitter mirrors (such as two mirrors), one or more lens (such as three lens), and a holograph film located on thepillar14 or other location within thevehicle10. By using a laser light, the light may be in the same direction and same wavelength to provide coherent beams with all light waves in phase to project thehologram30 or 3D version of what is happening outside and blocked by the driver's vision.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide audible and/or visual warnings to pedestrians and/or other danger objects. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide audible, visual, and other warnings (such as sounds, visual, and/or motion—such as a vibrating seat) to both the pedestrians and the vehicle operator when collision, an accident, or danger is possible. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize a transducer or other systems to send directed audible warnings to the danger pedestrian, such as 3D sounds.

In another embodiment of this invention as illustrated inFIG. 11, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide an audio “spotlight”290 for the operator. In this embodiment, an aimedaudio device292 located on thevehicle10 casts the audio “spotlight”290 to a surface redirecting the source/sound and pointed specifically at that spot, such as the sound coming from that spot. This allows the interactivevehicle safety system100 to provide anaudible warning294 to the operator coming from the location of a potential accident or collision location based on the trajectory analysis, sensors, and cameras with the interactivevehicle safety system100.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide other warnings to the operator and/or pedestrians. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide a vibrating seat or haptic warning to the operator when a potential collision or accident is detected. In another example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide external, automatic, audible warnings outside of the vehicle, such as, “Warning—Vehicle approaching” or “Warning—Vehicle turning.” The interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide internal, automatic, audible warnings inside of the vehicle to the operator, such as, “Warning—Pedestrian in crosswalk.” The interactivevehicle safety system100 may also include an audio system with “white” noise or nuisance noise, ambient noise sensor to change external sounds, or GPS geofencing.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a highlighting feature240 on the display or on the external area40 when the vehicle is making a turn. For example, as was described above, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may display the path of the turn on the display for the operator based on the trajectory analysis, sensors, and cameras with the interactivevehicle safety system100. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may externally, outside of thevehicle12, light up the external path240 on the pavement or external area40 of where thevehicle10 is going, such as the trajectory of going straight or a turn during the turn. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may laser the path240 and the direction of thevehicle10 on the street or pavement40—painting a turn or going straight with high-intensity LED lights242 or similar lighting elements. To assist with optically displaying the path240 externally on the street or pavement40, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may also provide infrared and heat-detection sensors to help “block-out” the road to display the external projected path of the vehicle on the road.

The interactivevehicle safety system100 may include optical sensors on a steering wheel for determining a turning radius of a turn and providing predictive modeling on the turning path of the vehicle. Additionally, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include sensors on the wheels of the vehicle, such as an electromagnetic arm or pitmen arm for determining a predictive analysis of the turning radius of the vehicle. Additionally, back-up cameras or front cameras may provide additional turning trajectory analysis and path projection of the vehicle.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may provide visual information and visual warnings. The visual warning may include a strobe or laser directed specific to a “danger” pedestrian to alert the pedestrian of an oncoming, turning vehicle. Additionally, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a heads-up-display (HUD) on the windshield or other location based on the various cameras and sensors associated with the interactivevehicle safety system100. The heads-up-display may include any of the information as described to include information about various moving objects and stationary objects from the trajectory analysis determined as potential collision or accident. The heads-up-display may include a distance or how many feet or inches an object is away from the vehicle and/or collision. The heads-up-display may also include a time to collision based on the trajectory analysis of the vehicle and the moving object.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a processor and database for recording and storing information and images from turns and actions based on “danger” present or imminent—critical moments. The critical moments may be determined by geofencing, accelerometer analysis, and impact detection. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may create a 3D model from the cameras and sensors to recreate an accident. This information can be very helpful in a number of situations as providing evidence of the actual actions that occurred during these critical moments.

In another embodiment of this invention, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may include a number of automatic actions in response to an imminent or present danger situation. For example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may automatically stop acceleration of the vehicle at a “yellow” condition for a collision or accident. In another example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may automatically apply the brakes on the vehicle at a “red” condition for a collision or accident. The “yellow” and “red” conditions may be set by parameters within the interactivevehicle safety system100. The interactivevehicle safety system100 may require the vehicle to maintain within the speed limit, utilizing GPS-location services or even a camera that recognizes the speed limit through image analysis. In another example, the interactivevehicle safety system100 may utilize other automatic actions, such as: pre-emptive braking, changing steering direction, horn honking, flashing lights, or vibration in the seats to help assist with maintain vehicle safety.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by this description.

Claims (22)

We claim:

1. An interactive safety system for a vehicle comprising:

one or more processors;

one or more image capturing devices located on the vehicle and configured to transmit one or more images to the one or more processors;

one or more object detecting sensors located on the vehicle that detect location, speed, and direction data of one or more objects external to the vehicle, the one or more object detecting sensors configured to transmit the location, speed, and direction data to the one or more processors; and

a memory unit configured to store computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

receive at least one image from the one or more image capturing devices;

receive the location, speed, and direction data from the one or more object detecting sensors;

process in real-time the at least one image and the location, speed, and direction data of the one or more objects external to the vehicle;

predict a future location and a route of the one or more objects external to the vehicle using a predictive algorithm and trajectory analysis of the one or more objects external to the vehicle;

determine in real-time a danger object from the one or more objects external to the vehicle, wherein the danger object is a potential collision based on the predictive algorithm and the trajectory analysis; and

provide an audible warning to an operator of the vehicle from a direction of the danger object, wherein the audible warning is provided via an aimed audio device connected to the one or more processors that casts a sound to a surface redirecting the sound to come from the direction of the danger object relative to the vehicle.

2. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the interactive safety system further comprises a display system connected to the one or more processors, the display system comprising a pillar display located on an A-pillar of the vehicle configured to portray an image blocked by an obstruction of the A-pillar captured by one or more image capturing devices.

3. The interactive safety system ofclaim 2, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the image blocked by the obstruction of the A-pillar on the pillar display.

4. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

provide a visual warning to the danger object, wherein the visual warning is provided external to the vehicle.

5. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

light a path of the vehicle with high-intensity lights based on the predictive algorithm and the trajectory analysis, wherein the path is visible externally to the vehicle on a pavement of a street.

6. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, the display system further including a heads-up display on a windshield of the vehicle, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data on the heads-up display.

7. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, the display system further including a heads-up display on a windshield of the vehicle, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the danger object, the predicted future location of the danger object, and the predicted route of the danger object on the heads-up display.

8. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, the display system further including a dashboard display on a dashboard of the vehicle, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the one or more objects with the location, speed, and direction data on the dashboard display.

9. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, the display system further including a dashboard display on a dashboard of the vehicle, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the danger object, the predicted future location of the danger object, and the predicted route of the danger object on the dashboard display.

10. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

provide an audible warning to the danger object, wherein the audible warning is provided external to the vehicle.

11. The interactive safety system ofclaim 10, wherein the audible warning is a 3D sound directed toward the danger object.

12. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more object detecting sensors comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor.

13. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more object detecting sensors comprise at least one LIDAR radar sensor.

14. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more object detecting sensors comprise at least one photoelectric sensor.

15. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, the display system further including a rear-view display located in the vehicle and configured to portray an image from the one or more image capturing devices that would be seen in a rear-view mirror, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

display the image that would be seen in the rear-view mirror on the rear-view display.

16. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

track in real-time the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the images and the location, speed, and direction data.

17. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the interactive safety system further comprises one or more telematics devices configured to transmit vehicle telematics data from the vehicle to the one or more processors, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

receive the telematics data from the telematics device; and

process in real-time the telematics data, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to track the one or more objects external to the vehicle using the telematics data.

18. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

highlight the danger object on the display system.

19. The interactive safety system ofclaim 18, wherein the danger object is highlighted yellow if the danger object is potentially in a path of an accident or a collision.

20. The interactive safety system ofclaim 18, wherein the danger object is highlighted red if the danger object is imminently in a path of an accident or a collision with the vehicle.

21. The interactive safety system ofclaim 18, wherein highlighting the danger object includes one or more of the following: blinking colors on the danger object, circling the danger object, or blinking circles around the danger object.

22. The interactive safety system ofclaim 1, wherein audible warning is an audio spotlight.

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